In the video above, you can watch Amy Long Carerra, Shield HealthCare’s Registered Dietitian’s, video about how to bolus feed / syringe feed. Bolus feeding is a type of feeding method using a syringe to deliver formula through your feeding tube.
Click here to read the article about How to Bolus Feed.
Bolus feeding is a type of feeding in which you use a syringe to deliver formula through your feeding tube. It may also be called syringe feeding or gravity feeding, because you use a syringe to allow the formula to flow, by gravity, down your feeding tube. Most people will take a bolus (or a “meal” of formula) about every three hours, and each feeding should take about 20 minutes. This type of feeding allows you to have more freedom in your daily activities.
In order to bolus feed, you will need:
- A 60 mL catheter-tip or oral syringe
- A cup of room temperature water
- Formula
Always wash your hands before handling your tube, or any supplies, and be sure to clean and air-dry the supplies afterward.
For more information, see related articles and feeding tube resources here:
- How to Clean ENFit Extension Sets
- Tube Feeding: How to Unclog Your Feeding Tube Video
- Blenderized Formula for Home Tube Feeding
- Tube Feeding: How to Gravity Feed Video
- Infinity Pump Training Video
You can also find more information about how to bolus feed through the Oley Foundation and the Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation.
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My husband had a TIA stroke in August of this year. He has a feeding tube in his stomach. He’s attached to his feeding machine for 18 hours, while he gets 5 cans of glucerna at 1.5 a day. I have noticed that he has started losing weight. can I feed him protein powder through his feeding tube using a syringe.
My fiance has a peck feeding tube and she has been taking formula with it but she is getting very unhealthy looking and I need to start putting food real food somehow or another blending it into liquid and give it to her is that possible and if so can you give me some suggestions on how to prepare such food and can I give her V8 juice and orange juice through the through this feeding tube
Can we use destilled water for feeding and leave the outside?
My sister syringe feeds and her external tubing stays attached. Any suggestions on how to keep it from hanging down when not in use or to minimize exposure under her clothes?
Hi I feed my grandad through his peg but was woundering if you can prepare the syringes in the morning for the full day or should I carry on doing it just befour I feed him thanks
I have a peg tube and use a kangaroo pump for over night feeding.cani use a syringe after I flush in the morning can I introduce v-8 through the syringe and flush again
Hi my husband has Parkinson’s and lewys body and now has a peg fitted , he has a feed running through the night , but iv been told to give him fifteen 50 ml flushes through out the day now he is having his throat cleared up to seven times a day . Help please how can I help him .